Former longtime pastor of Gainesville FUMC dies

GAINESVILLE - A former longtime pastor of Gainesville First United Methodist Church has died.

The Rev. Dr. James N. "Jim" Thompson, who pastored the church for 14 years, died Wednesday at his home in Gainesville.

Calling Dr. Thompson "a gift from God," the church's current pastor, Dr. Terry Walton, in an email to the church membership, wrote, in part, "Jim and Billie (Dr. Thompson's wife) served this grand congregation during a historical time for the journey of Christ through this congregation. Jim gave wonderful leadership as Gainesville First relocated from downtown to our present location on Thompson Bridge Road."

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 Friday at Gainesville First United Methodist Church.